Power Splitter Virtual Array MIMO Radar Delay Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in reducing the number of receivers while maintaining beamforming resolution and side lobe level, often resulting in higher costs and complexity, especially in virtual array MIMO radar systems which require multiple transmission paths and RF switching.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual array MIMO radar system using a single transmission path with a power splitter and a delay element to create temporally offset wireless signals, allowing for a reduced number of receivers and simplified RF switching, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used in non-virtual array MIMO radar, then beamforming resolution and side lobe level are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by delaying signals from certain transmitters, transforming a spatial problem into a spatio-temporal solution. This allows the system to achieve virtual array MIMO radar functionality with fewer physical receivers by utilizing time-separated transmissions, thereby reducing cost while maintaining beamforming resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual transmit antennas by delaying signals from physical transmitters. These delayed signals effectively copy the transmission function of additional physical antennas would provide, enabling the system to achieve the same beamforming resolution as a larger receiver array would provide, thus reducing the number of required receivers and overall system cost.
2Measurement precision
If virtual array MIMO radar is implemented with multiple transmission paths, then beamforming resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmission paths into a single shared transmission path by introducing temporal separation through delay elements. Instead of requiring separate physical transmission paths for each virtual antenna, the system combines all transmissions through one path, using time-division multiplexing to distinguish between different virtual transmit antennas, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time-separated transmissions where signals from different transmitters are sent at different time intervals. This periodic action allows the single transmission path to handle multiple virtual antenna functions sequentially, achieving the same effect as multiple simultaneous transmission paths would provide, thus reducing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF switching is used in virtual array MIMO radar, then transmission flexibility is improved, but power consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the transmission path by using delay elements to pre-separate signals before they reach the common transmission path. This eliminates the need for high-frequency RF switching, removing the source of excessive power consumption and complexity while maintaining transmission flexibility through temporal signal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic RF switching system with a passive delay element-based signal separation system. Instead of using active switching components that consume power, the system uses passive time-delay elements to route signals, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to flexibly control which transmitters are active.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of a virtual array MIMO radar with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced power consumption, enabling continuous monitoring and additional functionality in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the power splitter may divide the electrical signal into a first output electrical signal in the first output transmission path and a second output electrical signal in the second output transmission path
Implementation Method 2
the second output transmission path may include a delay element that provides a delay
Data Source
AI summary
During operation, a transmitter in an electronic device may provide, to a transmission path, an electrical signal. This electrical signal may be divided by the power splitter into a first output electrical signal in a first output transmission path and a second output electrical signal in a second output transmission path, which may result in transmitting of the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal by antennas. Because the second output transmission path may include a delay element that provides a delay, the second wireless signal may be delayed relative to the first wireless signal. Moreover, N radar receivers in the electronic device may receive first wireless-return signals corresponding to the first wireless signal and second wireless-return signals corresponding to the second wireless signal. These wireless-return signals may be combined to create a virtual array MIMO radar having an antenna aperture size of 2N.